NFL Trade Rumors: DeSean Jackson To 49ers, Patriots Or Jets?

DeSean Jackson led the Eagles in all receiving categories last year with 82 receptions, 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. He also made 60 catches for first downs. Photo: Reuters

For the last six years, DeSean Jackson has been the Philadelphia Eagles’ top receiver. Those days, though, could be coming to an end this offseason.

According to reports, the Eagles are ready to begin life without Jackson. Whether the 27-year-old is traded or released, his days in Philadelphia appear to be numbered.

Jackson is owed $30 million over the next three years, and the Eagles are reportedly looking for a third-round pick in return for the receiver. However, they may be forced to settle for less, since many teams don’t seem willing to make a considerable offer for him.

Still, Jackson had the best season of his career in 2013, catching 82 passes for 1,332 yards. Several teams are interested in acquiring him.

New York Jets

The Jets need to improve their offense, and owner Woody Johnson has admitted that the club is looking at Jackson. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg coached Jackson in Philadelphia, and he could play a role in the team’s pursuit of the wide receiver, like he did with the Michael Vick signing. However, Jackson’s contract likely makes the Jets leery of trading for him. The club has already given Eric Decker a five-year, $36.25 million contract. Drafting a wide receiver would be a cheaper option for New York.

San Francisco 49ers

Publicly, general manager Trent Baalke has stated that the 49ers haven’t discussed a trade with the Eagles. Privately, though, the organization may be getting ready to make a move. Pro Football Talk reports that the 49ers are very interested in Jackson. The 49ers have reached the NFC Championship game in the last three seasons, and acquiring Jackson would help the team compete with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. The three-time Pro Bowler would give San Francisco a formidable wide receiving corps, joining the likes of Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree.

New England Patriots

The Patriots once benefited greatly by adding a controversial receiver, when Randy Moss helped lead them to a perfect regular season record. New England could be hoping that head coach Bill Belichick will have the same effect on Jackson. The organization never adequately replaced the loss of Wes Welker, relying on Julian Edelman to be Tom Brady’s No.1 target. The Patriots already made one big splash by signing Darrelle Revis, and it’s possible they could do the same with Jackson. The 2013 season marked Brady’s fewest passing yards in three years, and those numbers would likely improve in 2014, with Jackson on the roster.